Positive Thinking and Scientific Research

I stumbled on a Huffington Post blog about positive thinking today. Like the blogger, I have strong opinions on the subject of positive thinking. I didn’t realize how strong till I read:

“The power of positive thinking movement has a stranglehold on American Society…”

Come on… Stranglehold? Wow. That’s pretty dramatic.

The last I checked, no one is complaining about the positive thinking movement. Maybe except for those who don’t get it.

Before I share some of the prime quotes from the blog, I want to share my thoughts on positive thinking.

Here are two good reasons to be a positive thinker:

Positive thoughts feel better than negative ones.

Positive thinking has the power to change our attitude, behavior, and ultimately our actions.

If one of my goals is to write a book and I’m flooded with negative thoughts that tell me that I’m not capable, will I take action and write a book? I guarantee that those negative thoughts will get in the way and I’ll be too nervous to ever start writing.

As a positive thinker I can decide to intentionally replace that negative thought with a positive one. I can say to myself, “Maybe I’ll start with a short article and see if people like what I write,” feels much better to me. When I’m feeling better I can take action more easily.

From the blog: “Positive Thinking can actually be counterproductive.”

If it becomes counterproductive, then it is NOT positive thinking.

For example, if you are trying to think positive thoughts about starting a business and you notice a feeling in the back of your mind that says “You can’t do that,” that’s not positive thinking – it’s a negative thought.

One powerful thing I’ve learned is that when I have a goal and I notice that little negative feeling pop up, it’s a sign that I need to be proactive and overcome my limiting beliefs and negative thinking.

Positive thinking must feel true for you. If it doesn’t, then it’s not positive thinking.

From the blog: “The power of positive thinking movement is the cornerstone upon which countless American self-help empires have been built. But does it really have the power it so often promises?”

If I use positive thinking to motivate myself to feel better in the moment and achieve more, then YES, it does have a lot of power.

From the blog: “There is no scientific evidence…”

Um…yes there is.

Check out this research. Intentional Intelligence is defined as as one’s ability to (a) identify one’s current thoughts and (b) choose positive thoughts in one’s mind. Author David Steingard, PhD, has proven that positive thinking creates measurable results.

Proof that positive thinking makes a difference.

I spent years as a negative thinker. Living with worry and anxiety is an awful way to live life. I practice powerful positive thinking every day because it feels better to be optimistic and positive. The fact that I’m happier and more fulfilled is enough proof for me.

Great article – I always find it so strange when people say “positive thinking doesn’t work” It absolutely does and cannot not work, unless as you so brilliantly state in your post, you are thinking unhelpful thoughts and believe you are thinking positive thoughts ……

After listening to the Huffington Post writer, I say” hooey”. People will think what they want. I would rather think positive thoughts and try to have a good day, than to be surrounded by naysayers and negative nellies. We all know that life isn’t always pretty, its is how you handle that ugliness that counts. I prefer to believ in rainbows!

I am Positive that the Huffington Post writer is in error, but that is is a negative isnt it??? OK lets see…

If positivity is wrong then everything i learned in the seminary must also be in error, because it stated that being positively attached to the creator will gain me his blessings, and all the schooling too must be in error because they said if I did well I would Positively be better equipped for my future… so we all should forgo positively and lean towards th other side, right?

Then i should say i am ignorantly, unrealistically sure that the Huffington Post writer is in error…

Hi Wendy! It’s articles like the one you mention in Huff Post that make me laugh. That’s because my experience proves to me that positive thinking is one of the BEST things that have ever happened to me and it continually keeps my focus on what I want to experience and express rather than the opposite. But I’m reading an interesting book right now and she explains that certain personality types actually resist ideas of positive thinking and it isn’t necessarily the “highest or happiness thought available to them” like it is for me. Maybe that’s where the author is coming from. It just makes me REALLY glad that I am able to see and appreciate that glass being half full and live my life that way! ~Kathy

Long time ago – sometime during my 3-year stint in the army, right after HS – I discovered that I can simply choose to be happy, no matter how bad my circumstances. This works about 90% of the time for me and it takes work.

That is my version of positive thinking. I think the author of original article might be thinking of “The Little Engine That Could” (“I know I can! I know I can!”)

I don’t know if that works. Here’s the version of positive thinking that woks for me:

When something goes bad, a flat tire, whatever, I ask myself “what’s good about this” or “what’s funny about this?” It’s a trained reflex that’s helped me throughout my life.

Many people – maybe half the population – choose to be miserable. Some people choose to be miserable despite their great personal fortune. Miserable people seek out other miserable people. Misery loves company – good luck to them.

Donald, how lucky you were to discover that you can choose to be happy at such an early age! I agree with you that it does take work, but it’s worth it. Let the other half of the population hang out with each other – I’ll take positive thinkers any day!

Get the Bestseller!

Learn step-by-step the proven tools Wendy's clients use to achieve personal and business success in her bestselling book, Powerful Thinking on Purpose. Available now in paperback or in Kindle Unlimited!

What People are Saying...

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

It's been three years since our coaching sessions and I wanted to let you know that I use a lot of what you taught me to this day. I visualize often and listen to affirmations daily.
Last year I exceeded my sales goals and I just started my Masters. Being an entrepreneur is the next goal. I've really done my best to build on what you taught me and it's served me well.

S. Boehner

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

It's been three years since our coaching sessions and I wanted to let you know that I use a lot of what you taught me to this day. I visualize often and listen to affirmations daily.
Last year I exceeded my sales goals and I just started my Masters. Being an entrepreneur is the next goal. I've really done my best to build on what you taught me and it's served me well.

S. Boehner

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

"Unlike other self help books I found this one easy to read. Wendy's approach is so elegant and simple it was easy to envision myself as successful.
I tried a couple of powerful personal statements and to my amazement they worked. Every morning and afternoon I've been saying “I like the idea that I can get control of these migraines”.
It sounds strange but before practicing the my statements I was having daily migraines. It's now been ...

Sandy M.,

Wayne, PA

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

"I highly recommend reading Wendy's book "Powerful Thinking on Purpose". It is the perfect accompaniment for those providing healing practices as well as their clients to gain a fresh perspective in viewing life from a more positive, creative point of view. Great for those new to this work, as well as for those who just need a gentle reminder."

Gary Wietecha, MD, CH

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

Powerful Thinking on Purpose is unique and simple. After I finished the book I started using the techniques and I immediately noticed a drastic difference in how I feel. Powerful Thinking allows me to feel that what was once impossible is possible.

J. Markle,

Philadelphia, PA

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

I loved your book! I have studied a lot about Law of Attraction and Neurolinguistic Programming, and have used affirmations before and taught others to do so. Your book brought up a good point: that if you don't believe the affirmation it has limited impact.
I just love your add on of the five powerful words and I used them on an issue at work and got the support I wanted. I hope others read your ...

Jackie Savoy,

Master Career Consultant and Life Options Retirement Coach

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

In an effective and straightforward way, Wendy Merron shares simple steps that you can use immediately to take control of your thoughts and change your life.
You may have read other books on "positive thinking" but in Powerful Thinking on Purpose you'll learn how to overcome worries and doubts and help your mind 100% “buy into” getting what you want. Read it today!

Lisa Halpin DCH, BCH,

Originator of HypnoCoach® Certification

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

I recently had the honor and privilege of previewing Powerful Thinking on Purpose, by Wendy Merron. As an author who likewise champions positive thinking, I eagerly delved into the book and was wowed by Wendy’s approach. Why? Because Wendy skillfully took a complex topic and broke it down into an easily digestible format. What’s more, she introduces simple, yet profoundly powerful tools for working with our underlying belief systems so that our subconscious accepts—rather than ...

Lisa Hilleren

Author of Reconstructing Eve and Authentic Living Advocate

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

With Wendy Merron's easy to follow blueprint, I was able to create positive thoughts right away and notice a great difference in my attitude and actions toward my goals. With these simple to learn suggestions, I also know I will reach them. Everyone who wants positive change in their life should read this book.

I just wanted to say that HONESTLY I LOVED YOUR BOOK. When I began to use one of the tools in your book I felt a "shift" or should I call it: THE TRUTH. I read your book in one sitting - I couldn't stop reading it! Honestly I think this could compare to Don't Sweat the Small Stuff book by Richard Carlson (if not better). It's short, sweet, and easy to read. I believe ...

Paul Eckert

Powerful Thinking on Purpose

If school taught us what Wendy does in this simple, direct and profound introduction to the power, choice and responsibility we each have for our own thoughts, we would not have had to learn anything else. We would have learned what the wise have always known, that we are creative every moment in how we choose to think and that our life, like a mirror, reflects what we create. In her 5 powerful words and ...